Question about multi-use (larger) vials

[dabeast75]

I personally would prefer having larger vials, say 50ml or 100ml. It is easier to store and handle, and it doesnt make you feel like a damn dealer having so many vials or amps around.

The question is: is there really a downside to using larger sized vials? The most common (and frankly only) complaint i have read is that the sterility of the product is "compromised" when you stick needles in too often, i.e increases the chance of germs getting in. This makes little sense to me, since in hospitals they use large vials all the time. There is a reason why larger vials exist, and if you wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol pad every time and use a sterile needle, there should be no worry about sterility. Am I missing something?

I have poked the rubber stopper of a 10ml vial with a 23g needle in excess of at least 60 or more times, to see if liquid would leak through at a certain point. Even though I stuck the needle through the same spot at least 20 times, no liquid whatsoever came through when holding the vial upside down.

So, I am interested in any opinions or input on this matter. Is it really "unsafe" to have a larger vial than 10ml???

 

[bloodshed]

I personally would prefer having larger vials, say 50ml or 100ml. It is easier to store and handle, and it doesnt make you feel like a damn dealer having so many vials or amps around.

The question is: is there really a downside to using larger sized vials? The most common (and frankly only) complaint i have read is that the sterility of the product is "compromised" when you stick needles in too often, i.e increases the chance of germs getting in. This makes little sense to me, since in hospitals they use large vials all the time. There is a reason why larger vials exist, and if you wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol pad every time and use a sterile needle, there should be no worry about sterility. Am I missing something?

I have poked the rubber stopper of a 10ml vial with a 23g needle in excess of at least 60 or more times, to see if liquid would leak through at a certain point. Even though I stuck the needle through the same spot at least 20 times, no liquid whatsoever came through when holding the vial upside down.

So, I am interested in any opinions or input on this matter. Is it really "unsafe" to have a larger vial than 10ml???

ive used a larger vial like that before. after poking it so many times, some of the rubber started to break off and go into the oil. i even had this issue with a 20ml vial.

 

[dabeast75]

ive used a larger vial like that before. after poking it so many times, some of the rubber started to break off and go into the oil. i even had this issue with a 20ml vial.

hmm, interesting! needless to say, that didnt happen to the 10ml vial stopper that I poked 60+ times... guess it depends on the quality of the stopper...

bump for more input or experience...?

 

[kid1dakota]

ive used a larger vial like that before. after poking it so many times, some of the rubber started to break off and go into the oil. i even had this issue with a 20ml vial.

Same thing I had a few 50 ml back in the day and the rubber stoppers started breaking apart and I had little rubber chunks floating in the oil.It never leaked or I never had sterility problems,just the stopper not staying intact.

 

[Michaelthomasj]

Ive used 50 and 100 ml vials w no problems at all. Just keep things sterile and you will have no problem

 

[TrainGrubSleep]

i've never had a problem with 20 ml vials but I could see a problem with the 100 mls if the stopper is cheaply made, but if its something you really worry about just dont stick the stopper a lot in the same spot

 

[OUS-Rep]

hmm, interesting! needless to say, that didnt happen to the 10ml vial stopper that I poked 60+ times... guess it depends on the quality of the stopper...

bump for more input or experience...?

The problem is not the particulate that you can see, it's the microbial particles that you could inadvertently draw up and inject that you would need to worry about. You can however mix compounds for a complete cycle in a larger vial so you would also use fewer pins and vials and still be within a safe margin for degradation.

 

[bloodshed]

hmm, interesting! needless to say, that didnt happen to the 10ml vial stopper that I poked 60+ times... guess it depends on the quality of the stopper...

bump for more input or experience...?

i do use 18g needles to draw with, 23g is a bit of a pain in the ass.

 

[dabeast75]

The problem is not the particulate that you can see, it's the microbial particles that you could inadvertently draw up and inject that you would need to worry about. You can however mix compounds for a complete cycle in a larger vial so you would also use fewer pins and vials and still be within a safe margin for degradation.

Thanks for all the input so far.

OUS-Rep, good info thanks and yes, the microbial particles are of course the primary concern regarding safeguarding the sterility of a product. But sucking up bacteria could happen in any vial regardless of size. Of course, the more often the vial gets used, the greater the "chance" of bacteria entering the vial, obviously. But that would make amps a major concern, since you are exposing the liquid directly to the open air the moment the top is broken off...

I guess all this makes the point that 100% sterility is impossible. Even the guy who works for the most reputable pharmaceutical company could have picked his nose while making the batch you're about to inject!

So far the votes are 50/50 on this subject, so all opinions and/or knowledge is welcome.